I was prescribed 20mg of Paxil to help with my generalized anxiety and panic disorder. Ive been on it for around 4 weeks. However my anxiety has in fact gotten worse over the past weeks that I have been taking the Paxil. I have another appointment with my psychiatrist in march, yet I am still holding out hope that the medication begins to work. Is it normal for Paxil to cause an increase of anxiety before it begins to work? How much longer must I wait. It has been a little more than 4 weeks. When should I notice its effects. Thank you for any information.
Has Paxil been known to increase anxiety when first starting?
Question posted by doyle24 on 24 Jan 2015
Last updated on 16 February 2017 by jakemje
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4 Answers
jakemje
16 Feb 2017
How did the paxil work out?
Inactive
24 Jan 2015
Yes it can cause anxiety at the start of treatmeant. To reach the full therapeutic benefits it can take between 6-8 weeks; however, the side effects should subside soon. If you're not feeling better in the next week please call your prescribing doctor as he/she may want to give you a low dose of xanax or ativan for short term.. I wish you the best!
balbanese
24 Jan 2015
Yes, but at 4 weeks this should be subsiding a bit, 4-6 weeks is the longer adjustment period. If no changing another 10-days contact your Dr.
kaismama
24 Jan 2015
Definately, which is why you should have something like xanax to take for the first month or so. You're over most of the wait time, Its usually 4-6 weeks.
Related topics
paxil, anxiety, panic disorder, anxiety and stress, prescription, disorder
Further information
- Paxil uses and safety info
- Paxil prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Paxil (detailed)
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